And now, ladies and gents, the heat is on! July in the Southwest Ohio River Valley brings heat, humidity and a strong desire for TCB’s (Tasty Cold Beverages.) Where else will you find the American Cornhole Organization in full swing? But we aren’t just letting the pros break in some bags… it’s time we grew this game a little from the roots. We need new players to challenge the pros. Who knows? I might even have a chance to improve my game and maybe win one… well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Pitch on!

Notes From the Court, July, 2010: It’s a Social Thing

Dateline, Quaker Steak and Lube, Milford, OH- We’re at one of the hottest places to have a great time in this small Southwestern city. “The Lube” is a great cheap place to hang out, grab a bite and belly up to an outdoor bar. It is a hot spot to the bikers, truckers and now… US! The ACO on Thursdays hosts a tournament for those interested in the Social 60’s, the non-professional club of the ACO. By far, there is a larger potential audience for the avid player who is not quite to the level of pro play. That would include most of the folks I know, including me. But whether you are good, bad or just watching, the music was up, the drinks were cold and it was time to let some bags fly!

For the last several months, I have been in the company of the pro class of player. Though I have learned a great deal from the pros, this is where I need to be when I want to play a game of Cornhole. I actually have a chance here. Against… a kid?

The Social 60s brings in all variety of players and a variety of age groups. Tonight, along with many of the folks at the bar, we also see quite a few kids coming in from the restaurant. This game has great appeal to children, though you do have to be a little more careful when on court with these guys. It’s easier to get clocked by an errant bag.

In the games tonight, the courts were peppered with some very skilled kids, all throwing hard. My first game was against a 12 year old. How did I fare?

Let’s move on…

Tonight’s action was doubles. A doubles match is often one sided, but it seems that many of the folks who play in them step up to the plate when the need arises. In one round, I was paired with my partner for the night, young Max Geers, the son of Frank Geers, the President and CEO of the ACO. As we started our match, Max faced off against an onslaught worthy of pro play. His opponent was testing his metal and he was holding his own.

It came to crunch time. Max’s opponent started ramping up the play with an air mail shot. The “nothing but hole” shot was matched by Max. A second followed. Max bagged one on the board, just under the hole. When his opponent placed a 3^rd hole shot, Max dropped one on top of his other bag and carried both into the hole, cancelling his adversary’s shot. Kid versus adult? In this game, age is not a barrier. He was proving it.

The match came close and it was my turn to make a difference. In an attempt to get sympathy points, I used my carefully played “lawn chair” defense. In case you haven’t seen me play, it’s more like a losing strategy. I have not had the best luck in this game when it comes to pressure. Hence, the “lawn chair” analogy: When pressure is applied, I fold up and collapse. There’s a reason I am just the Voice of the ACO, and not an aspiring pro.

So the Social rounds are safe from a win by me or my teammate. Sorry Max! I ended play with only one team win, long after the tournament was over, and only on the strength of play against someone who admittedly has not played very much at all. The winners tonight took home some gift coupons for a great match. Everyone had a great night out.

Come join us!

The ACO organizes Cornhole tournaments all over for Social play. Great prizes can be had for a little time at the best bars and clubs in town. Check out the local schedule of events and get in the game at:

http://www.cornholeplayers.com/places-to-play-cornhole.aspx

When you are ready to join the Social 60, the ACO’s non-pro club, contact one of the ACO reps on site. Maybe then, we will…

See you in court!